housing Archives - Business RadioX ®

Bobby Krimmel, CEO of Touchmark National Bank, chats with Amanda Pearch

April 15, 2026 by Amanda Pearch

Chat with AP

Bobby Krimmel, CEO of Touchmark National Bank, chats with Amanda Pearch

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Bobby Krimmel, is the CEO of Touchmark National Bank, headquartered in Alpharetta GA. Krimmel is a forward-thinking financial executive with over 20 years of experience driving growth, profitability, and operational optimization within publicly traded bank holding companies ranging from $425 million to $3.0 billion in assets. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, executing complex integrations, and aligning financial strategy with broader organizational goals.

This episode:

Bobby Krimmel chats with Amanda Pearch
What sets Touchmark apart from other banks?
Community Service
Housing
Professional Skateboarding

Connect with Bobby Krimmel

Connect with AP at amandapearch.com

Amanda Pearch is a strategist and high-impact communicator with a heart for purpose-driven work. With nearly a decade of experience as a professional broadcaster and a strong foundation in marketing and communications, Pearch has built a vibrant career by helping mission-focused brands “find their voice” and spark intentional engagement.

As the owner and operator of a professional marketing & production agency, she brings a bold voice and unmatched energy to every audience she touches. Whether it’s coaching executives, producing high-quality content, or leading strategic conversations, PURPOSE is at the center of her work. Check out Nonprofit Nation also!

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, raised in Peachtree City, Georgia. Pearch is known for her ability to turn ideas into action- she’s recognized as a trusted voice for relevant & meaningful content, both locally and beyond.

Connect with AP at amandapearch.com

Alpharetta’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan: Why It Matters

November 6, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Alpharetta's 2045 Comprehensive Plan: Why It Matters

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Alpharetta’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan: Why It Matters (North Fulton Voices, Episode 14)

On this edition of North Fulton Voices, hosts Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond sit down with Benjamin “Ben” Kern of MKSK Studios and Michael Woodman, Planning and Development Services Manager for the City of Alpharetta, to unpack Alpharetta’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan. This conversation explains what a comprehensive plan is and why it is relevant for everyday life in Alpharetta. You will hear how the plan sets the city’s long-range vision for land use, redevelopment, transportation, parks and greenways, housing, and economic development. The guests clearly distinguish between the plan and the zoning code: the plan establishes policy direction and a future land use map, while zoning serves as the legal tool to implement this vision when projects arrive.

Alpharetta is moving from a growth pattern defined by open land to one focused on redevelopment and reinvestment. The discussion covers how older commercial areas can be reimagined, why mixed-use nodes near jobs and services reduce congestion, and how the city evaluates proposals against the plan month in and month out. You will also learn how progress is tracked through a short-term work program and a formal Report of Accomplishments that keeps Alpharetta eligible for key regional and state funding.

Most importantly, the episode shows how residents and businesses can influence outcomes. Public input includes a steering committee, online surveys, and in-person sessions, with community meetings on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 12:00–1:00 p.m. and 5:00–6:30 p.m. at Alpharetta City Hall. Listen to understand the choices ahead and how to weigh in with feedback that leads to better projects, stronger neighborhoods, and a city that reflects the community’s shared priorities.

Learn more on the 2045 Alpharetta Comprehensive Plan updates website, and add your voice by completing the community survey on future city development priorities.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Plan vs. zoning, decoded: The comprehensive plan sets vision, goals, policies, and the future land use map. Zoning is the legal code that implements that vision when projects are proposed.
Future land use map matters: Staff and elected officials use the map every month to evaluate whether a proposal aligns with the city’s long-range direction before any rezoning is considered.
From greenfields to redevelopment: With little vacant land left, Alpharetta’s growth will come from reinvestment, infill, and reimagining aging commercial and office areas into mixed-use, walkable places.
Transportation is more than roads: The plan ties land use to mobility, aiming for safer local streets, strategic congestion relief, and better walking, biking, and trail connections between jobs, housing, and parks.
Housing mix and affordability tools: The update looks at diversifying housing types near services and employment to support workforce needs and reduce long commutes that strain the network.
Short-term work program and accountability: Progress is tracked through a Report of Accomplishments, which keeps Alpharetta eligible for key regional and state funding.
Public input shapes outcomes: Residents and businesses can influence priorities through surveys, a steering committee, and in-person sessions at City Hall. Thoughtful feedback can shift where, what, and how redevelopment happens.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
01:01 Comprehensive Plans: Importance and Current Updates
01:29 Regional Housing Data and Trends
02:54 Meet the Experts: Benjamin Kerr and Michael Woodman
04:23 Understanding Comprehensive Plans
10:44 Community Involvement and Vision for Alpharetta’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan
17:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Alpharetta
27:38 Future Plans and Community Engagement
34:57 Conclusion and Contact Information

Michael Woodman, Planning and Development Services Manager, City of Alpharetta

The Community Development Department for the City of Alpharetta guides the city’s growth and development to enhance the quality of life while respecting its historic and natural features. The department plays a key role in planning and implementing projects related to land use, economic development, housing, and community facilities, including Alpharetta’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan. It supports diverse housing options, pedestrian-friendly environments, mixed-use developments, and public infrastructure improvements. The department also engages with the community and private sector to ensure development aligns with community goals, including projects like downtown revitalization, greenways, and city-owned property consolidation for municipal offices. Overall, it focuses on sustainable growth, creating vibrant neighborhoods, and improving public access to city services.

Website

Benjamin Kern, Planner, MKSK Studios

MKSK Studios is a planning, urban design, and landscape architecture firm that partners extensively with municipalities to create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. They provide strategic master planning and design services that guide long-term improvements for municipal campuses, public parks, streetscapes, and civic spaces, with a strong focus on pedestrian connectivity, sustainable stormwater management, and adaptive reuse of existing city infrastructure. MKSK’s work for municipalities aims to enhance public engagement, strengthen community identity, and improve the quality of life through thoughtful, context-sensitive design that integrates social, environmental, and cultural values. Their projects often include comprehensive engagement efforts to ensure plans align with community needs while fostering equity and resilience in growing urban environments.

Website

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from various sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Its members come from the six cities constituting the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs—and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, NFIN centers their work on five areas of impact, seeks to educate the public about these issues, builds a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connects resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Nancy Diamond

Nancy Diamond is a Project Manager with Schmit & Associates, a real estate development firm, creating town center revitalization in communities all around the metro area.

Nancy served 8 years as a Roswell City Council Member, including a term as Mayor Pro Tem, with liaison positions with Community Development, Transportation, Recreation & Parks, and Public Safety.

In addition to her work with the North Fulton Improvement Network, Nancy has been active in area non-profit organizations, including board leadership positions in the STAR House Foundation, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, and the Roswell Rotary Club.

A native of Atlanta and a 42-year North Fulton resident, Nancy worked at Turner Broadcasting in the early years of CNN, then became a freelancer in sports television graphics. While raising her two daughters, she worked from home, first developing a corporate gift service and later as a mortgage loan originator.

Nancy and her husband, Glenn, now relish the role of grandparents to 8-year-old Owen.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John Ray is a podcast show host and producer and owns North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small-firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

Navigating Mortgage Solutions, with Mark Hutchins, Good Friend Mortgage

August 28, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating Mortgage Solutions, with Mark Hutchins, Good Friend Mortgage

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Navigating Mortgage Solutions, with Mark Hutchins, Good Friend Mortgage (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 798)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Mark Hutchins from Good Friend Mortgage. Mark shares insights on Good Friend Mortgage’s history, his extensive experience in the mortgage industry, and the unique approach to client relationships that sets their brokerage apart. Discussion topics include current mortgage trends, construction loans, debt consolidation strategies, jumbo loans, and specialized mortgage programs for self-employed individuals. Mark also explains the benefits of rate buy-downs, fix-and-flip loans, and commercial mortgage options. The episode highlights Mark’s commitment to finding the best mortgage solutions tailored to each client’s needs, supported by a wide network of lending partners.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Mark Hutchins, Good Friend Mortgage

Mark Hutchins is dedicated to educating individuals about the complex financial issues they may encounter, as well as the real estate lending options available to best serve borrowers’ needs. He takes pride in helping clients achieve the life they deserve by providing solutions that result in a “win-win” scenario.

His ideal client is someone who wishes to explore their lending options and learn the best strategies to make informed decisions that align with their overall financial goals and budget. Mark believes that obtaining real estate financing can be a smooth and straightforward process with proper preparation.

With over 20 years of experience in the finance and real estate markets, Mark has consistently prioritized customer service and addressing the needs of his clients above all else throughout his career.

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Good Friend Mortgage

Good Friend Mortgage is a prominent mortgage brokerage located in Alpharetta, Georgia, dedicated to providing comprehensive mortgage solutions to clients in the North Fulton area and beyond. The company specializes in a variety of mortgage products, including conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and reverse mortgages, catering to the diverse needs of homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance.

With a focus on education and client empowerment, Good Friend Mortgage offers free workshops and informational sessions to help clients navigate the complexities of homeownership and mortgage financing. Their commitment to community engagement is evident through sponsorships of local events and partnerships with organizations like the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

The team at Good Friend Mortgage prides itself on delivering personalized service, ensuring that each client receives tailored advice and support throughout the mortgage process. Their mission is to unlock the potential of real estate as a means of building family wealth and creating lasting legacies for future generations.

Website | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:21 Meet Mark Hutchins from Good Friend Mortgage
02:25 Mark’s Journey in the Mortgage Industry
04:09 Current Trends in the Housing Market
06:37 Mortgage Solutions for Self-Employed and Contractors
09:47 Investment and Commercial Mortgage Options
12:07 Debt Consolidation and Equity Access
22:22 Jumbo Loans and High-Value Mortgages
25:12 Success Stories and Client Experiences
26:17 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
27:04 Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Celebrating more than 25 years, Casa Nuova has become a true staple in the Alpharetta area, serving more than three generations of families, including friends old and new, visiting near and far from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 790 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Ending the Housing Shortage with Home Arizona E8

July 19, 2022 by Karen

E8-Ending-the-Housing-Shortage-with-Home-Arizona-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Ending the Housing Shortage with Home Arizona E8

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Ending the Housing Shortage with Home Arizona E8

“We can’t grow and keep things the same at the same time” –Nico Howard

The greater Phoenix area is currently experiencing the greatest migration ever seen. This is a critically serious issue affecting people across all income levels. How can business and civic leaders come together to support the creation of more affordable housing for the workforce?

That’s why Home Arizona was born. Nico Howard (Founder & Chairman of Planning & Zoning Commission, City of Phoenix) and Elliot Pollack (Chief Strategist & CEO of Elliott D. Pollack and Company, an economic and real estate consulting firm in Scottsdale, Arizona est in 1987) join Carla to discuss the ins and outs of getting involved at local levels to affect positive change. The reality is that Phoenix will continue to grow and we can all get involved in how our communities look in the future.

Shocked by the 50% rise in home prices over the last 7 months? Listen in as Carla gets down to the nitty gritty of how we can all come together to help shape the futures of our local communities and help create housing for all with Nico Howard & Elliot Pollack of Home Arizona.

Home Arizona is a pro-housing advocacy group lead by Arizona’s top economists, business leaders, policy experts and developers who are encouraging policymakers to understand the housing shortage and potential remedies before it becomes a major economic-development problem.

Unlike other business or housing trade associations, Home Arizona focuses exclusively on housing supply’s role in economic development, corporate relocation, job creation and quality of life.

It has commissioned an economic impact assessment from Elliott D. Pollack and Company and has engaged with Arizona’s top employers to weigh in on the importance of quality housing to sustaining economic success.

Nico Howard is an investor and real estate developer specializing in land investment and multifamily development in Phoenix, Arizona.

He is the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Phoenix, the Vice-Chairman of Central Arizona Shelter Services (the largest emergency shelter provider in the State of Arizona), and a co-founder of Home Arizona.

In addition to his many philanthropic contributions, Nico is very involved in municipal politics, and has been involved in over 15 municipal campaigns over the last 5 years.

Elliott Pollack is CEO of Elliott D. Pollack and Company, an economic and real estate consulting firm in Scottsdale, Arizona established in 1987. Mr. Pollack is widely sought after as a speaker for economic, policy, fiscal and economic impact, and real estate issues.

Through affiliate companies, Mr. Pollack has syndicated, master planned and brought to development numerous properties in Arizona. He is recognized for his expertise in both national and local real estate trends.

Elliott Pollack is one of the leaders of Home Arizona and serves as chief strategist for the group.

About the Show

Smashing Through Walls is geared toward a guide through complex commercial real estate and finance topics while adding humor and anecdotes along the way. Discover what is going on in the valley and beyond with host Carla Magee, broker at MHG Commercial.

About Our Host

Carla Magee’s background is designed with the investor in mind. After obtaining her finance degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, she worked for large corporations like Boeing and Microsoft. With a critical eye and flair for analytics, she was able to shave millions in lost profits, managing cross-functional teams by utilizing her Green Belt in Six Sigma and Masters Certification in Project Management.

Ultimately she realized that she couldn’t be contained in an office environment working for the corporate world. Being an investor herself, she came into real estate as an investment & multifamily property specialist, effectively applying her education & skillset. Carla excels in helping investors make sound decisions for their financial goals, in real estate negotiations, and takes deep pride in educating homebuyers and sellers.

On a personal note, Carla is a busy wife & mother to two daughters. In addition to an ever growing career and podcast, she also enjoys volunteering and being active in the community. She has a deep love for Arizona and although she travels whenever possible, she always finds her way back to the beautiful Sonoran Desert.

Connect with Carla on LinkedIn.

About Our Sponsor

MHG Commercial emerged from the highly successful and innovative residential brokerage: My Home Group. MHG Commercial’s vetted and experienced advisors have a wide range of complementary professional expertise that span over 100 years of cumulative experience.

Encompassing every aspect of commercial real estate from office to industrial development, raw land to luxury commercial, and multifamily to subdivision development. We excel at out of the box thinking and transactions that require a more hands-on approach and ingenuity.

No matter the property type or service need, our commercial advisors are committed to your objectives. Combined with business finesse and unsurpassed market intelligence, MHG Commercial brokers help you determine and surpass your business goals.

Follow MHG Commercial on Facebook and Instagram.

Take the Opportunity E110

June 23, 2022 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Take the Opportunity E110

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Take the Opportunity E110

The Tycoons welcomed Joe Serrano, CEO and Executive Director of TentMakers Inc, to the show.

Joe was an inspirational guest and is working to make a difference in this world. From humble beginnings to joining the Marines, he learned to take an opportunity if it is presented. He credits his time in the Marines to pushing him to find out what he’s made of, changing his life, and providing the confidence, discipline, and opportunity to be in the position he’s in today.

TentMakers is helping to solve the homelessness and affordable housing crisis in California and its model will hopefully continue to spread nationwide. They are giving the opportunity to people to learn a trade, get a job, build a home, and live in it, all while being sustainable to the environment. By the end of this episode, Joe’s passion and purpose will have you ready to downsize to your very own tiny home!

TentMakers Inc., (TMI), is a nonprofit Community Housing Development Corporation. TMI specializes in workforce housing development and job training opportunities for low-moderate income households. Our focus is on housing rehabilitation, (Jr.) & Accessory Dwelling Units, (ADU’s/JADU’s), tiny houses and job training in the building trades.

Joe Serrano is an entrepreneur and workforce housing specialist providing technical and adminstrative services to low-moderate income households in the planning, design, permit processing and building of workforce housing.

Joe has an academic background in architectural and business administration and has over 30 years of construction, design and business experience related to community development, (redevelopment) in Northern CA.

Joe formed TentMakers in 2007 to continue his work in redevelopment and has produced over 1,000 units of housing improvements with an estimated $75 million in construction cost.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn and follow TentMakers Inc. on Facebook.

About the Show

Tycoons of Small Biz spotlights the true backbone of the American economy, the true tycoons of business in America… the owners, founders and CEO’s of small businesses. Join hosts, Austin L Peterson, Landon Mance and the featured tycoons LIVE every Tuesday at 1 pm, right here on Business RadioX and your favorite podcast platform.

About Your Hosts

Austin Peterson is a Comprehensive Financial Planner and co-founder of Backbone Planning Partners in Scottsdale, AZ. Austin is a registered rep and investment advisor representative with Lincoln Financial Advisors. Prior to joining Lincoln Financial Advisors, Austin worked in a variety of roles in the financial services industry.

He began his career in financial services in the year 2000 as a personal financial advisor with Independent Capital Management in Santa Ana, CA. Austin then joined Pacific Life Insurance Company as an internal wholesaler for their variable annuity and mutual fund products. After Pacific Life, Austin formed his own financial planning company in Southern California that he built and ran for 6 years and eventually sold when he moved his family to Salt Lake City to pursue his MBA.

After he completed his MBA, Austin joined Crump Life Insurance where he filled a couple of different sales roles and eventually a management role throughout the five years he was with Crump. Most recently before joining Lincoln Financial Advisors in February 2015, Austin spent 2 years as a life insurance field wholesaler with Symetra Life Insurance Company. Austin is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and Chartered Life Underwriter. In 2021, Austin became a Certified Business Exit Consultant® (CBEC®) to help entrepreneurs plan to exit their businesses.

Austin and his wife of 23 years, Robin, have two children, AJ (21) and Ella (18) and they reside in Gilbert, Arizona. He is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in French and of Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management with a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in sales and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Austin on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Landon Mance is a Financial Planner and co-founder of Backbone Planning Partners out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He rebranded his practice in 2020 to focus on serving small business owners after operating as Mance Wealth Management since 2015 when Landon broke off from a major bank and started his own “shop.”

Landon comes from a family of successful entrepreneurs and has a passion and excitement for serving the business community. This passion is what brought about the growth of Backbone Planning Partners to help business owners and their families. At Backbone Planning, we believe small business owners’ personal and business goals are intertwined, so we work with our clients to design a financial plan to support all aspects of their lives.

In 2019, Landon obtained the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation through the Exit Planning Institute. With this certification, Backbone Planning Partners assists business owners through an ownership transition while focusing on a positive outcome for their employees and meeting the business owner’s goals. Landon is also a member of the Business Intelligence Institute (BII) which is a collaborative group that shares tools, resources and personnel, and offers advanced level training and technical support to specifically serve business owners. In 2021, Landon became a Certified Business Exit Consultant® (CBEC®) to help entrepreneurs plan to exit their businesses by counseling owners about exit options, estimating the value of the business, preparing the business for exit and tax considerations.

Landon enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, stepson, and new baby twins. He grew up in sunny San Diego and loves visiting his family, playing a round of golf with friends, and many other outdoor activities. Landon tries to make a difference in the lives of children in Las Vegas as a part of the leadership team for a local non-profit. He regularly visits the children that we work with to remind himself of why it’s so important to, “be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Landon received his B.S. from California State University Long Beach in business marketing and gets the rest of his education through the school of hard knocks via his business owner clients.

Connect with Landon on LinkedIn.

Gary Braun is a Founder and co-owner of Pivotal Advisors. In his role at Pivotal, Gary is primarily responsible for business development but, he’ll gladly take on few clients in a consulting role. Gary speaks with and partners with other firms that help drive top-line growth.

Gary, helps organizations define where growth is coming from, helps them hire and/or develop the sales team, identify ideal clients and markets, and leverage true differentiators (even in commodity markets). He also implements sales processes, targets specific KPIs, increases activity, creates and applies sales compensation plans, and develops sales leadership skills.

Pivotal Advisors LLC is dedicated to creating a community of people who strive for excellence in sales and leadership. A Sales Operating System is the model for how to achieve excellence. Leadership is the First Factor of success in any sales organization. Therefore, building and developing leaders responsible for generating revenue is critical for growth.

Follow Pivotal Advisors on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Austin Peterson and Landon Mance are registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Gary Braun and Pivotal Advisors are separate from and not affiliated with Backbone Planning Partners/Lincoln Financial Advisors.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Backbone Planning Partners is a marketing name for registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors.

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.

The content presented is for informational and educational purposes. The information covered and posted are views and opinions of the guests and not necessarily those of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Business RadioX® is a separate entity not affiliated with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

It Takes A Village E30

March 21, 2022 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

It Takes A Village E30

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It Takes A Village E30

On this episode of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast, host Kelly Lorenzen had the pleasure of interviewing some amazing leaders in our community.

Ania Kubicki, CEO & Founder of ANGLES Communications and President-Elect of NAWBO Phx, Laura Bode, Director of Community Engagement of A New Leaf, and Shana Duffy, Principle Consultant, Blue Ocean Advisory and owner of Yellow Day Marketing joined Kelly on-air for an enlightening conversation.

If you want to be inspired, get more involved in the Arizona community, or learn something new about PR, non-profits, business ownership, or women in business, then check out this episode.

Did you know there is a media collaborative in Phoenix that focuses on Positivity? The Center for Positive Media just opened and Ania was excited to share about it. https://www.thecenterforpositivemedia.com/

Did you know that NAWBO advocates for women in business? They are a great resource in our community. https://www.nawbo.org/phoenix

Did you know that A New Leaf helps sexual and domestic violence victims? They are opening a Rap Crisis Center next month. Check out all of their services at https://www.turnanewleaf.org/services/

Did you know there is a consulting firm that helps brands connect with financial institutions for co-branded credit cards and loyalty programs? Shana Duffy is a principal consultant with them and a great resource for small and large businesses needing help with customer loyalty. https://boadvisory.com/

These ladies shared some GREAT resources, stories, and quotes during the show about everything above and more. It is worth the hour to listen to this episode of Collaborative Connections.

Thank you, KLM Consulting, Marketing, and Management for sponsoring Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast.

A New Leaf advances its mission of “Helping Families…Changing Lives” by providing meaningful opportunities to empower disadvantaged individuals and families, and to create a stronger and healthier community. A New Leaf’s 30+ programs in the Phoenix Metro area address households’ immediate and longer-term needs through a continuum of care that promotes social and economic health and stability.

Services include emergency shelter, supportive housing, domestic and sexual violence support, financial empowerment, behavioral and primary health care, foster care, early childhood education, and family preservation. With 51 years’ experience providing social services to local communities, A New Leaf anticipates improving more than 30,000 lives this year through culturally responsive programming that cultivates equity in the community.

Laura Bode serves as A New Leaf’s Director of Community Engagement. She has worked with A New Leaf for 10 years and is passionate about advancing the critical services the organization provides for the community.

She engages community corporations, foundations, civic leaders, and service groups to build awareness, funding, in-kind donations, and volunteer service to support all of A New Leaf’s programs.

Follow A New Leaf on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ANGLES is a communications agency with a mission to connect ideas and the people behind them to those who benefit from them. ANGLES works with visionaries who challenge the status quo and disrupt industries that need change.

We help our clients bring positive change to industries, communities and the world through highly curated communications strategies and programs.

Ania Kubicki started her career in public relations in New York City, working on high profile campaigns for destinations and political organizations. She moved to Phoenix in 2002 and started her agency, ANGLES Communications in 2006.

Ania is passionate about her clients and works with growth-oriented companies, powerful organizations and meaningful non-profits. She firmly believes that if you are not telling your story, someone will tell it for you.

Ania is an active member of our community serving on multiple committees, supporting and volunteering for causes in education, arts & entertainment as well as women and children. She is the President-Elect of the Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and is passionate about helping people overcome adversity and own their stories!

Connect with Ania on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Blue Ocean is a multi-faceted advisory firm that excels in brand loyalty and payments solutions with a strong emphasis in the co-brand credit card space. Blue Ocean uses their vast experience and industry knowledge to successfully align brand partners and merchants with issuing banks and payment providers.

The Blue Ocean team has spent many years effectively negotiating co-branded programs nationally and internationally for travel, auto, retail, and financial institution brands. Additionally they manage RFP’s and contracts with Issuers and all three Card Networks; Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Blue Ocean also provides operational and marketing guidance on credit card programs to maximize growth and revenue, create winning marketing and focused strategies that enhance consumer loyalty through enhanced product value and innovation.

Beyond marketing and business development the Blue Ocean team has strong operational backgrounds that cover Credit, Risk, Fraud, Customer Service, Forecasting, Financial Analysis, and user Analytics.

Shana Duffy is a Principal Consultant with over 25 years of experience in the credit card and co-brand industry. Her experience runs deep across Operations, Marketing, and Business Development.

Shana spent over 20 years at Bank of America where she managed Credit Underwriting, Fraud, and Risk teams and strategies before transitioning to co-brand marketing where she spent 10 years managing a suite of successful programs such as America West, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines.

Prior to joining Blue Ocean Advisory in June 2020, Shana spent 7 years managing Retail, Airline, and Financial Institution co-branded programs at U.S. Bank.

Shana’s skills span across executive leadership, program management, product development and innovation, contract renewals and negotiation, revenue generation, and relationship management.

Follow Blue Ocean on LinkedIn.

About Collaborative Connections

Kelly Lorenzen started the “Collaborative Connections” show to bring her clients and favorite charities together to meet each other, connect and collaborate in life and business. She hopes to build a stronger community one show at a time.

About Our Sponsor

KLM is a one-stop support shop for small business owners who are starting, growing, or trying to sustain. Our purpose is to foster the growth and prosperity of small businesses in our community.

Entrepreneurs & small business owners come to KLM for support in all areas of business. KLM clients think of us as a concierge, business snuggy, another arm, or duplicate for the business owner; They call us when they need us. Business owners can continue to do what they love while having the support they need when they need it.

About Your Host

Kelly Lorenzen, CEO of KLM, is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 15 years of business-ownership experience. She is also a certified project management professional.

Kelly’s expertise is in business development, customer service, marketing, and sales.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn, and follow KLM Consulting on Facebook.

City of Maricopa – Economic Development Done Correctly E1

March 21, 2022 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

City of Maricopa - Economic Development Done Correctly E1

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City of Maricopa – Economic Development Done Correctly E1

Robert and JJ met with Nathan Steele (Chief Economic Development Officer) of the City of Maricopa to discuss “all things” development related in the City of Maricopa. Nathan enlightened everyone with the tremendous growth in Maricopa and went on to elaborate on how that will most likely continue in their community for the foreseeable future. Maricopa is uniquely qualified with their land mass, infrastructure, neighborly relationships, and utilities to accommodate serious growth in the future.

We also learned more about Nathan’s background and his passion for doing all the right things as an economic development guru, yet getting out of the way of private industry to deliver on those promises. The team had fun bantering about the tag lines for Maricopa; (1) “Come build the City with us”, (2) “YES!, here, (3) “We’ll answer the phone for you” – all three monikers were a clear representation of Nathan’s passion and his embodiment of the culture within the City of Maricopa to do “smart” and “effective” development. Nathan stressed that the QUALITY OF LIFE is what drives their vision and continues to attract people to call Maricopa HOME.

Nathan provided a wonderful context of useful and supportive government agency, especially in a time where over-regulation and bureaucracy seem to be the norm. Public customer service at its finest.

Economic Development is at the forefront of everything we do in the City of Maricopa! Maricopa’s City Council is committed to creating a highly-desirable place to live and do business by being responsive and pro-business. Economic Development focuses on placemaking, infrastructure, and property development.

In Maricopa, it’s the long-held belief that you can’t stand out from the rest by doing it the same way as everyone else. With its pro-business environment and streamlined permitting processes, clients will find that Maricopa is not just open for business, but it’s the best City in Arizona FOR business!

Nathan Steele is an experienced public servant, currently serving as the Chief Economic Development Officer for the City of Maricopa.

He has previously served, in Maricopa, as the Director of Economic and Community Development and the Assistant to the City Manager.

He is responsible for coordinating all economic development-related activities conducted by the city departments and other relevant entities in the community. This includes everything from business retention to new business recruitment.

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn.

About Your Hosts

Meet JJ Levenske

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial and industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service.

JJ’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike. JJ does not believe in mediocrity and strives to see the “end at the beginning” for each project, effectuating a higher return on investment for the entire team.

Early on in his career, JJ worked as a cost engineer conducting feasibility estimates, strategic capital estimates, cost planning, and analysis of value engineering for the technology, petrochemical, and food industries. He went on to develop and implement a variety of systems for estimating, scheduling, resource management, and cost tracking while holding Project Manager and Senior Management Positions.

During his tenure, JJ has been involved in $1 billion worth of construction services. A strong entrepreneurial acumen allows him to be the perfect advocate for your facility based business solutions.

Meet Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson is a knowledgeable construction professional with over 40 years of experience. His experience ranges from residential to the commercial and industrial sectors.

Robert began working in the trades immediately out of high school and quickly advanced to Journeyman status. Robert went on to estimating, operations, senior level management and then business development.

Robert is consistently building relationships and networking with those associated with all aspects of development and construction. Robert has become a respected source for prefabricated construction solutions.

Robert enjoys spending time with Pam, his wife of 42 years, their 3 children, and 10 grandchildren.

About Our Sponsors

Bleuwave is a Phoenix-based general contractor with a specialty in land development & site improvement, pre-construction, design build, remodel and renovations, construction management, and post construction.

Bleuwave is passionate about what they do and takes pride in their partner’s success.

When you need it done right the first time, call Bleuwave.

Follow Bleuwave on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Mac Prefab is an industry leader in cutting-edge structural roof systems in residential, commercial, and industrial construction.

Mac Prefab offers expertise in Ultra-Span, Floor Trusses, Roof Trusses, Engineering, Design/Engineering, and Project Management.

For all of your cold-formed steel prefabrication needs, trust Mac Prefab.

Follow Mac Prefab on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Housing in Gwinnett County

August 12, 2021 by Garrett Ervin

Giving Back To Gwinnett

Housing in Gwinnett County

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Matt Elder, Kristina Blum, Heather Loveridge

Kristina Blum/Gwinnett Chief Magistrate Judge

Gwinnett County Magistrate Court‘s jurisdiction encompasses civil claims of $15,000 or less, county ordinance violations, applications for and issuance of arrest and search warrants, preliminary hearings, dispossessory writs, and distress warrants. No jury trials are held in this court. Appeals from decisions in landlord, tenant and civil cases are made to the Superior and State courts.

Matt Elder/Executive Director, HomeFirst Gwinnett

The HomeFirst Gwinnett Initiative is a collaborative partnership formed between the United Way of Greater Atlanta, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and The Primerica Foundation, seeking to develop a strategic, coordinated approach to addressing homelessness in Gwinnett County by better connecting services for those who need them most.

Host: Heather Loveridge/Magnolia Media Group

At the heart of marketing is great storytelling – and that’s what they do at Magnolia Media Group. Whether it’s through social media, e-newsletters, websites, brochures or complete marketing services, they help organizations tell their story.

Giving Back to Gwinnett is presented by:

Jennifer & Tim Miller with TP Corporate Lodging

August 22, 2018 by Garrett Ervin

Case In Point

Jennifer & Tim Miller with TP Corporate Lodging

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Tim Miller, Jennifer Miller, Rick Strawn

Jennifer Miller & Tim Miller/TP Corporate Lodging

TP Corporate Lodging offers extended stay accommodations (14-day minimum) for business professionals, home buyers, relocating employees, and families. These 1, 2, and 3-bedroom corporate apartments are strategically located, fully furnished, and tastefully decorated for less than the cost of a hotel room.

Whether you’re looking for corporate lodging or short-term/long-term rentals in Atlanta or Jacksonville, TP Corporate Lodging has a large portfolio of properties to choose from. Atlanta, with its bustling metro and fast-growing film scene and tech industry, has become a hub for businesses in the Southeast. The ever-growing metropolitan area has given rise to numerous new and expanding companies looking to establish a foothold in the South. TP Corporate Lodging has moved itself to the forefront when it comes to accommodation for corporate stays, as well as short-term and long-term rentals.